Listed below are the approved requirements for the program from the official Academic Programs Catalog.
Students must consult their advisors to learn which specific requirements apply to their degree programs.
Following this section are the requirements as represented in Degree Navigator, MSU's online advising tool. The Degree Navigator section is only available for programs using Degree Navigator for degree certification.

College of Natural Science

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Undergraduate Programs

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Bachelor of Science program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for students in the College of Natural Science combines the elements of a liberal education with thorough preparation in biochemistry and molecular biology and the underlying principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It is intended primarily for those students who wish to pursue a career in which a sound knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology is necessary, or for students who plan further studies at the graduate or professional level. With suitable choice of electives, the B.S. program offers the option of merging rigorous training in biochemistry and molecular biology with development of writing or pedagogical skills, leading to career options in science writing or teaching.

Undergraduate students are taught by professors who are familiar with the changing directions and emphases in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. Interested undergraduates are encouraged to participate, along with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, in the on–going research of one of the faculty members.

Students seeking admission to the program should complete the high school science or college preparatory curriculum, ensuring that their programs include courses required for admission to the university.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is met by completing Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 495 or 499. Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.

Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement. Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.

The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.

The following requirements for the major:

a.

The following courses outside the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (60 to 68 credits):

(1)

All of the following courses (7 credits):

CEM

262

Quantitative Analysis

3

CEM

355

Organic Laboratory I

2

CEM

356

Organic Laboratory II

2

(2)

One of the following groups of courses (8 or 9 credits):

(a)

BS

161

Cell and Molecular Biology

3

BS

162

Organismal and Population Biology

3

BS

171

Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory

2

(b)

BS

181H

Honors Cell and Molecular Biology

3

BS

182H

Honors Organismal and Population Biology

3

BS

191H

Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory

2

(c)

LB

144

Biology I: Organismal Biology

4

LB

145

Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology

5

(3)

One course from each of the following groups of courses (7 or 8 credits):

(a)

CEM

141

General Chemistry

4

CEM

151

General and Descriptive Chemistry

4

CEM

181H

Honors Chemistry I

4

LB

171

Principles of Chemistry I

4

(b)

CEM

142

General and Inorganic Chemistry

3

CEM

152

Principles of Chemistry

3

CEM

182H

Honors Chemistry II

4

LB

172

Principles of Chemistry II

3

(4)

One course from each of the following groups of courses (2 credits):

(a)

CEM

161

Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CEM

185H

Honors Chemistry Laboratory I

2

LB

171L

Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I

1

(b)

CEM

162

Chemistry Laboratory II

1

CEM

185H

Honors Chemistry Laboratory I

2

LB

172L

Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II

1

Students who select CEM 185H may use that course alone to fulfill this requirement.

(5)

One course from each of the following groups of courses (6 credits):

(a)

CEM

251

Organic Chemistry I

3

CEM

351

Organic Chemistry I

3

(b)

CEM

252

Organic Chemistry II

3

CEM

352

Organic Chemistry II

3

(6)

One course from each of the following groups of courses (6 to 8 credits):

Major - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Physical Chemistry I and II: A total 2 courses

At least 1 course from CEM383, CEM484

At least 1 course from CEM384, CEM483

Requirement 27: College Distribution

College Distribution: 30 credits from courses numbered at the 300 and 400 levels. See academic advisor.

Requirement 28: Electives

Electives: 0 credits from Electives at Michigan State University and transfer coursework. This number can change based on the credits of the coursework taken to fulfill University, College, and Major requirements. Please contact your academic advisor with any questions.

Requirement 29: University Residency

University Residency: 30 credits from MSU coursework, 27 credits from MSU courses taken after reaching junior standing, 20 credits from courses offered by MSU while admitted to major & 20 of the last 30 credits must be MSU courses. Please see academic advisor.